KITAS Indonesia refers to a limited stay permit for foreign individuals who wish to reside there for a specific duration and under certain conditions. This document is essential for foreigners who want to live and work legally in Indonesia.
This comprehensive guide will explore the latest developments, regulations, and procedures surrounding KITAS applications and renewals in 2025.
What is KITAS in Indonesia?
The Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas (KITAS) is a limited-stay permit that foreigners must apply for before relocating to Indonesia. With a KITAS, individuals are granted residency in Indonesia for a period ranging from 6 months to 24 months or longer if an extension is requested. There are five main reasons people move to Indonesia:
- Work: Professionals seeking opportunities in Indonesia’s growing economy.
- Investment: Entrepreneurs establishing businesses or investing in PMA (foreign-owned) companies.
- Marriage: Joining a spouse who is an Indonesian citizen.
- Retirement: Enjoying Indonesia’s warm climate and affordable living in retirement.
- Study: Pursuing education in Indonesia’s institutions.
Who can apply for a KITAS?
The KITAS Indonesia can be granted to various groups, including foreign nationals who hold employment contracts in Indonesia, individuals who wish to engage in educational activities, those involved in investment projects, and individuals who are joining family members residing in the country.
Each of these groups has specific requirements that must be met to obtain this permit.
- Foreign investors and owners of PMA companies.
- Professionals working in specialized fields.
- Individuals married to Indonesian citizens and their children.
- Foreign researchers contribute to Indonesia’s academic and cultural knowledge.
- Retirees seeking a peaceful life in Indonesia.
- Dependents of KITAS holders, including spouses and children, and children born to KITAS holders in Indonesia.
To obtain a KITAS, you must apply for a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) and ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas).
| Visa | Role |
|---|---|
| VITAS | Issued by the Indonesian Immigration Department as a temporary or limited-stay visa upon approval to enter the country. |
| ITAS | An immigration status that allows immigration offices to stamp your passport. |
| KITAS | Your official ID in Indonesia is your temporary stay permit card issued after obtaining ITAS. |
4 types of KITAS in Indonesia and when to use them
The duration of KITAS or ITAS depends on the type of permit and the basis of your application, with validity ranging from six months to two years. Below are the four types of KITAS available in Indonesia:
Working KITAS
Foreigners intending to work in Indonesia must apply for an RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) and a KITAS/ITAS. The RPTKA is the official work permit, while the KITAS/ITAS is a temporary residency permit.
To apply for work at KITAS/ITAS, the foreigner must have a sponsor, typically an Indonesian-registered company such as a PT, PT PMA, or a representative office. In addition, foreign workers can re-enter Indonesia using a MERP (Multiple Exit and Re-entry Permit) with the same permit.
Spouse KITAS
Foreigners legally married to Indonesian citizens can apply for a KITAS/ITAS family visa sponsored by their spouse. However, this visa doesn’t allow the foreigner to work in Indonesia. Only residency is permitted.
If the marriage occurs abroad, the couple must report and register it with the Indonesian authorities. Upon arrival, they must obtain a marriage certificate from the marriage location, legalize it at the Indonesian embassy or consulate, and register it with the Indonesian Civil Registry.
Retirement visa
A retirement visa is a type of KITAS/ITAS for foreigners aged 55 and older who want to retire in Indonesia. This visa is not intended for business owners or entrepreneurs.
Typically, applicants should apply for a retirement visa through an Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country before traveling to Indonesia. Converting a tourist visa to a retirement KITAS in Indonesia is generally not permitted. However, our expert consultants have the experience to streamline the process.
With this visa, the foreigner can stay in Indonesia for consecutive years, travel freely in and out of the country, and access local services such as bank accounts and domestic help. However, they are not allowed to work.
Read more: A guide to becoming a permanent resident in Indonesia
Investor KITAS
The Investor KITAS is a special permit granted to foreign investors who wish to establish or expand their business in Indonesia. This program simplifies the immigration process for investors and offers benefits, encouraging foreign capital to flow into the country.
Eligibility for applying for KITAS in 2025
A KITAS Indonesia, or limited stay permit, is essential for foreigners who wish to live in Indonesia for various reasons. This permit can be obtained for work, business, or family reunification. However, only specific individuals meet the eligibility criteria the Indonesian government sets for this permit, such as:
- Foreign workers, employers, and investors.
- Foreigners married to Indonesian citizens.
- Retired individuals and international students or researchers conducting studies in Indonesia.
The latest visa options in Indonesia
The latest visa options in Indonesia include three key categories designed to cater to various needs: the golden visa, the second home visa, and the business visa.
Golden visa
Foreign investors can secure long-term stays in Indonesia through the golden visa program.
- Individual investors must invest IDR 38 billion for a 5-year stay or IDR 76 billion for 10 years.
- Corporate investors can obtain 5-year visas for directors and commissioners with an IDR 380 billion investment.
- 10-year visas for corporate investors require USD 50 million.
- Smaller-scale individual investments of IDR 5.3 billion and IDR 10.6 billion through bonds, shares, or savings are also accepted for five and 10-year stays.
Second home visa
The second home visa offers a 5 to 10-year residency in Indonesia and requires applicants to deposit at least IDR 2 billion (USD 130,000) in a local bank. This initiative targets affluent foreigners and enhances Indonesia’s appeal as a long-term destination. Immigration rules are centrally governed, ensuring a consistent process across the country.
Business visa
- Single entry business visa: This visa grants a one-time entry for short-term business activities and is valid for 30–60 days. It requires an invitation letter from an Indonesian company.
- Multiple entry business visa: This visa allows unlimited annual entries for recurring business activities. It is suitable for professionals with ongoing engagements in Indonesia.
The application process for KITAS in 2025
Applying for a KITAS Indonesia involves multiple steps, and the timeline may vary depending on the type. If you’re still unsure what you need for the KITAS application in Indonesia, you can check the requirements here and let our consultants guide you.
Why is it important to extend your KITAS in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s immigration laws are strict. All foreign nationals must hold a valid visa or stay permit for stays beyond the visa-free or visa-on-arrival period.
Overstaying can lead to severe penalties, including substantial fines, deportation, or a ban on re-entry. If you plan to remain in Indonesia for an extended period, securing the correct stay permit is essential for legal and practical reasons.
Apply for KITAS in Indonesia with InCorp
Navigating the complexities of obtaining a KITAS Indonesia can be daunting. With InCorp, the process becomes seamless. Our consultant will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient application.
We offer:
- Work permit KITAS: This permit is designed for foreign professionals employed by Indonesian companies and allows them to work and reside legally in the country.
- Investor KITAS: For foreign investors actively managing or investing in businesses in Indonesia, providing residency without requiring local employment.
- Retirement KITAS: Tailored for retirees aged 55 or older who wish to spend their retirement years living in Indonesia.
Click the button below to simplify your KITAS application, making your journey hassle-free.
Daris Salam
COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia
With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Insurance and Social Security Insurance (BPJS) are mandatory. The company and the employee will bear a certain percentage, respectively. Another obligation is tax withholding. The percentage and type of taxes vary from case to case. Contact us to get information on your specific field.
Dividends can be distributed from company net profits after allocating reserves, depending on a positive profit balance. Approval from the general meeting of shareholders is necessary. Interim dividends may be distributed if specific requirements are met.
It is advisable to make a minimum paid-up capital deposit after the company completes its establishment process. Another option is after the company receives the Articles of Association and Deed of Establishment.
It all depends on your business’s purpose and nature. Our consultants will help you to clear out the matters.
